“As an international leader in the swine industry, Greenwood’s commitment and service to pork producers make him most deserving of the Minnesota Pork Board’s 2014 Distinguished Service Award,” MPB said in a news release about the award.

Born and raised on a hog farm in Southern Minnesota, Greenwood has worked in the swine industry his entire life.

“I love the swine industry and the people that work in it,” said Greenwood. “Pork producers are some of the nicest people I have ever met and I consider them part of my extended family.”

Greenwood works closely with pork producers helping them understand industry trends, evolving animal care standards and the critical role risk management plays in today’s pork industry. “We do our best to make sure our clients are successful,” said Greenwood.

In 2005, he was named as one of National Hog Farmer’s Visionaries of the US Pork Industry. Greenwood’s knowledge and passion for the swine industry is known world-wide. He has had the opportunity to speak in South America, Europe and Canada about pork, providing insight on where the industry is and what producers need to do to continue to be successful in the long term. He has also been quoted in numerous national and local publications and has given testimony to the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Agriculture about “The Economic Conditions facing the Pork Industry.” His enthusiasm for the swine industry is undeniable.

“Mark is very passionate about the pork industry and truly wants to find solutions for swine producers to succeed in the business,” said Dale Holmgren, AgStar Board of Directors and pork producer.

The swine industry also sees Greenwood as a valuable resource. He has spoken at Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Ohio and North Carolina Pork Congresses numerous times and at the World Pork Expo. “I am proud to be associated with where the industry is at today,” said Greenwood. “Seeing how far we have come and how successful our producers are today, makes me thankful to be a part of this industry.”

Greenwood also serves on the Government Relations Committee for the National Pork Producers Council, is a member of Pork Alliance and serves on the Feed Availability Taskforce for the National Pork Board.

“Minnesota pork producers are some of the best in the world, because they are willing to share insight on what they are doing to help others get better,” said Greenwood.

It is easy to see the love and dedication that Mark has for the swine industry. He has written many articles and has done numerous interviews promoting pigs and producers. In 2013, he wrote an article entitled “A lead lender’s view of the pork industry,” for Benchmark.farms.com and has provided interviews for Fox News and Bloomberg.com.

Greenwood continues to serve as a resource for the swine industry. “I know all of the contributions and personal sacrifices he has made for this industry,” said Janet Basballe of AgStar, but to Greenwood it’s not a sacrifice. “I believe in giving back to the community as much as possible,” he said. “I would not be where I am today if it was not for the swine industry.”